New to black powder

Hello friends. I have a Pietta remington 1858 Stainless steel black powder revolver. I just could not pass it up and even though I love the traditional steel the stainless model just hypnotized me and realed me in. :D

I know that one can load more powder into a steel frame than a brass frame and the steel frame can handle the conversions for .45 long colt, but to my questions... This may sound completely stupid but my grandfather always said "the only stupid questions are the ones you don't ask".

1. Can a Stainless steel version handle more powder than the regular steel version.

and

2. Can the stainless steel version then handle slightly more powerful (recommended are loads 1000 fps or less) .45 long colt in the conversions category then, or can they handle it anyway and the manufaturer is just covering themselves by a good margine (I notice the frame and cylinder are about the same thickness as modern .45 and most of the moderns do not specify worry on the load) I tried to look for someone crazy enough to test this with a stainless steel or even regular steel version but could not find anything (I cannot blame them) but figured if anybody knew I could take advantage of it.

Thank you for all of your wisdom and help, and also your patience with a new person to the black powder sport.

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arcticap

November 10, 2012, 09:23 PM

1. Can a Stainless steel version handle more powder than the regular steel version.
2. Can the stainless steel version then handle slightly more powerful (recommended are loads 1000 fps or less) .45 long colt

No, not that it would ever make a difference.
AFAIK some carbon steels may actually be stronger than some stainless steels.
If the stainless were measurably stronger then the conversion cylinder manufacturers would provide different loading specifications.
But they don't because they rate both of them to handle the same loads.
For instance, Uberti Remington frames are forged and Pietta Remington frames are cast.
There may be a difference in strength but not in the eyes of the end users or the conversion cylinder manufacturers.
Carbon steels are not all the same and neither are stainless steels.
Generally the consumers don't know the technical specifications, and manufacturers can change them at any time.
So the answer is that there's essentially no difference in the practical strength between any of the similar Italian models.
Just take into consideration the loading recommendations of each of the manufacturers.
A Chevy can last as long as a Cadillac.

BlackNet

November 11, 2012, 01:16 AM

Uhm first off regardless of frame material do not over load, EVER!

Second frame material goes. Just because it it 'steel' does not make it superior. While steel CAN be more durable than other types there are a great number of things that you do not know.

For example in this photo, steel frame, there is some serious heavy structural flaws in the metal, can you see them?
http://wetlands.simplyaquatics.com/d/31381-1/IMG_8940.JPG

Thought not, as I had trouble during this phase of that build. Here is one that was very painfully obvious.
http://wetlands.simplyaquatics.com/d/31393-1/IMG_8965.JPG

The difference here was just sanding, was never abused or the like, just sandpaper.

My point is jsut because it's stainless or steel does not mean that it is 100% safe. Anymore 'stainless' is often grossly over abused in reputation, there are weak stainless and there is stupidly strong stainless, all really depends on the mix and what elements is in there.

J-Bar

November 12, 2012, 02:47 PM

Try shooting a .45 Colt with a 250 grain lead bullet over a case full of blackpowder before judging whether or not you want something more powerful. It is enough to get your attention.

Love black powder for what it is, a way to connect with the past and make lots of smoke and noise. If you want a hot .45 buy a Freedom Arms single action or a .454 Casull. Don't try to make a '58 Remmie into something it was not intended to be.

brushhippie

November 12, 2012, 02:53 PM

Well said Sir!

Biohazard1993

November 12, 2012, 06:50 PM

I just traded it for a .36 cal version. Funny enough my friend had a 36 cal and had a 45 long colt rifle and me the .44 with a few 357/38 firearms. I find I like the .36 cal even though I can't use hot 38 or 357 magnums in it, because I don't need to buy another type of ammo for the conversion since I have 38 special factory loads for my marlin .357 lever action, and an sp101 (which I shoot Hornady critical defense .357 magnum through). I personally like the 38 platform more than the 45 long colt for my applications and am happy with the trade. On the other hand I do wish I have enough $$$ to fuel a .454 monster but sadly can not.

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